‘A Glimpse of Forever’: a movie mixing love, sci-fi, and personal stories

From the makers of blockbuster hits such as ‘100 Tula Para Kay Stella,’ ‘The Day After Valentines,’ and ‘Just A Stranger,’ comes a new romantic film set to grace Philippine cinemas. This time, there’s a dose of sci-fi element as it involves virtual dating.

Starring Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Diego Loyzaga, and Jerome Ponce, ‘A Glimpse of Forever‘ masterfully encapsulates a multitude of experiences and emotions. This was evident through the audience reactions during and after its advance screening held at Gateway Cineplex Platinum Cinema on March 2.

Writer-director Jason Paul Laxamana skillfully facilitates an easy connection for a diverse audience. Notably, the film seamlessly integrates its unique virtual romance concept with thought-provoking themes, guaranteeing accessibility and leaving a lasting impact on viewers of all kinds. One might ponder, ‘Is love something we want or need?’ or ‘Is our love enough?

During the advance screening on March 2, Laxamana explained how he came up with the story. He said, “It’s a mixture of research. Ni-research ko talaga ‘yung laddering, yung mga core belief, automatic thought. Pero 50 percent it’s also a personal take. So siguro kaya accurate ‘yung portrayal because I really understand how it goes.”

Laxamana also mentioned that he took on the responsibility of addressing his personal mental health issues. He expressed, “Last year, in-address ko yung sarili kong mental health issues. And ang dami kong natutunan about it na naaaply ko ngayon sa mga stories na ginagawa ko for film. And looking back, for example, yung mga pelikula kong ‘Isang Daang Tula Para Kay Estella’, ‘The Day After Valentines’, meron din. Makikita n’yo yung trace ng mga metal health issues. Pero ngayon mas equipped na ako sa talagang knowledge para ma-tackle nang accurate.”

From Viva Films and Ninuno Media, ‘A Glimpse of Forever’ opens March 6 in cinemas nationwide.

It follows the story of Glenda (Jasmine Curtis-Smith), frustrated with her fiancé, turning to the virtual dating studio ForeVR. Despite limited virtual guy options, she surprises the staff by picking The Boy Next Door, initially removed due to low client interest. When Kokoy, also known as “The Boy Next Door,” first meets Glenda, his direct approach offends her. However, he redeems himself, becoming the supportive friend Glenda needs.

Dante (Jerome Ponce), a struggling theater actor with social anxiety, works as a Motion Capture Actor for The Boy Next Door in ForeVR. Without revealing his face, Dante excels, becoming the top motion capture actor.

Dante develops feelings for Glenda, but can their connection go beyond the virtual world? Complications arise as motion capture actors can’t reveal their identities, and Glenda is still in a relationship.

While ForeVR offers refuge, Glenda and Dante can’t stay there forever. With personal issues to address, the question remains: can they find lasting love beyond ForeVR?

Find out when you see ‘A Glimpse of Forever’ in a theater near you.